Manchester United’s deadline day signing Marcel Sabitzer was not the club’s preferred addition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
The Red Devils were desperate to land Christian Eriksen replacement after United confirmed he would be sidelined until May after suffering an injury in the FA Cup fourth round victory over Reading.
They were locked in discussions with PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as they scrambled over a last-minute midfielder signing.
And according to other reports, United were offered former Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, as well as Atletico Madrid duo Carrasco and Saul Niguez.
They finally settled on former RB Leipzig skipper Sabitzer and got the deal done before the deadline passed. But, Sky Sports claim that Sabitzer was not United’s first-choice.
Journalist Melissa Reddy claims Manchester United were actually interested in his Bayern teammate Ryan Gravenberch.
The 20-year-old midfielder worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and signed a five-year deal with Bayern in the summer.
- How Chelsea finally signed Enzo Fernandez after 20 consecutive hours of negotiations
- How Man Utd pulled off the signing of Marcel Sabitzer in just 12 hours
- Marc Cucurella’s stunned reaction to being told Jorginho is joining Arsenal
Gravenberch hasn’t started any game in the Bundesliga, with all 12 of his appearances coming from the bench, but Bayern Munich did not want to let him leave.
And despite a lack of minutes and his only games coming in the UEFA Champions League, the Netherlands international still wants to fight for his place.
That meant United shifted their attentions to Sabitzer, who was also struggling for enough game-time at the club.
United also asked about Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada as an alternative. The Japan international, who has scored 12 goals this campaign, is out of contract in the summer.
Though, they eventually went with Sabitzer, who could join United on a permanent basis as the deal is said to contain an option to buy.
“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions,” Sabitzer told United’s official website after becoming the club’s third loan signing in the January transfer window.
“From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season.
“I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
“I’m excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”
